
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and you need to make the most of it. As one of the more popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available, professional teeth whitening is used by people throughout Australia. Although you have a lot of options when it comes to brightening your smile, they don’t all have equal results. At Greenvale Dental Group, we’re here to show you why you should choose our dentists in Greenvale for your teeth whitening treatment.
Read our guide below on everything you need to know about teeth whitening, including the differences between professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter teeth whitening products, and where you can find the best teeth whitening in Melbourne that can help “restore confidence and regain your smile.”
What causes teeth to discolour?
Before we go into the trials and tribulations of comparing professional teeth whitening to over-the-counter products, let’s look at what makes teeth appear yellow or discoloured:
- Tobacco
- Consumption of tea, coffee, cola and red wine
- Age
- Bad dental hygiene
- Genetics
Dr Soraya Eakins at Greenvale Dental Group further explains:
- Teeth Enamel. You see, some of us are born with it, and well others struggle in the enamel department. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, which makes your teeth appear yellow and discoloured.
- Intrinsic staining or what is known as “stains INSIDE your teeth.” This can be caused by the use of antibiotics, during development in the womb or trauma.
No amount of “promises” can alter the above, this is why some people report great teeth whitening results and others are disappointed. However, some products will work better than others.
What are the main ingredients used to whiten teeth?
The two main ingredients used in teeth whitening solutions are Carbamide peroxide (CP) or Hydrogen peroxide (HP). Only a dentist is permitted to use the highest level of peroxide during professional teeth whitening treatments.
Professional teeth whitening options
There are two main options for professional teeth whitening that are instructed by a Dentist.
One hour chair-side whitening
This professional teeth whitening option includes several short appointments but will depend on the patient’s individual needs. A whitening agent is left on for 15 to 30 minutes with the entire appointment taking around an hour and a half.
There are a few types of in-office professional teeth whitening treatments:
- High concentration hydrogen peroxide gel, which is applied by a Dentist using a syringe
- Hydrogen peroxide combined with a high-intensity light (LED, UV or halogen), which is applied using a lamp or laser device that sits directly outside of the mouth.
This professional teeth whitening option has many advantages including:
- Quick and effective results
- No self-application required as the procedure is administered by a dentist
- Great for patients who are time poor or want instant results
- For optimum results, using this treatment in conjunction with a DIY take home whitening kit is often recommended.
DIY take home professional teeth whitening kit
A custom, professional take-home-tray is fabricated by your dentist that will fit perfectly to the shape of your mouth. As a result, it can give a more comprehensive whitening results than OTC trays.
Take home professional teeth whitening kits offer the following advantages:
- Affordable alternative to one hour chair side whitening or other cosmetic work
- Custom made re-usable tray which will fit perfectly over your teeth for even coverage
- Professional strength whitening gels can be used in conjunction.
Professional teeth whitening treatment consultation
A consultation by a Dentist is required before getting professional teeth whitening, as there are many oral issues that can affect, or be affected by such treatments including:
- Cavities will need to be treated prior to any professional whitening process due to the ability of the whitening solution to reach into the inner parts of the tooth
- Receding gums can expose the root of the teeth which could be the reason why the teeth may appear yellow or discoloured. If this is the case, teeth whitening isn’t the solution and other treatment options will need to be considered.
- Scale and clean. This will be recommended prior to the whitening treatment to remove stains and plaque, and frees the surface of teeth for a better result.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
Generally purchased from a chemist or supermarket, over-the-counter teeth whitening products commonly include:
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste differs from regular toothpaste as it contains polishing agents or chemicals that clean stains from teeth without the aid of a bleaching agent. Whitening toothpaste can be the least effective, but the most abrasive of all of the whitening products. The disadvantages of whitening toothpaste include:
- Low peroxide, therefore poor whitening results
- Very abrasive which can cause permanent damage to the tooth enamel surface
Teeth whitening strips or gels
These products are applied directly on to the teeth with a brush or a thin strip and are applied one to two times a day for 10 to 14 days. Results typically last around four months and produce only a slight whitening. These over-the-counter products generally only work on the front six teeth, leaving your remaining teeth discoloured.
Tray-based tooth whitening products
These products often contain a whitening gel and ‘one size fits all’ trays. They can be ineffective due to:
- Contain low peroxide therefore, a poor whitening result often occurs
- Uneven distribution of gel due to the lack of individually made trays
- Often have a high acidic solution, which is damaging to the enamel surface
Charcoal whitening toothpaste
This ‘fad’ whitening was all the rage a few years ago, but there is very little scientific evidence that says it’s effective. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent, hence the reason why hospitals use this method to treat patients with poisoning related issues. It’s so absorbent, that it will also absorb ‘good’ matters from within your mouth such as medications. This can lead to overall health issues. The charcoal can get under your gums and into the surface of the teeth. Not only does it stain, there is no scientific evidence of the health claims made on detoxification. Charcoal, even if finely milled, is abrasive and causes permanent damage to tooth enamel.
Teeth are the only part of the body that cannot replenish or heal itself. Once the enamels gone, it’s gone.
So, which teeth whitening option should you choose?
Professional teeth whitening is an efficient, safe and effective choice to brighten your smile. Other things to consider when deciding which option include the cost and your current lifestyle habits. Here at Greenvale Dental Group we can help you decide if you are an ideal candidate for professional teeth whitening treatment. This is why we offer a comprehensive consultation with our experienced dentists to help choose the best option for you. Perhaps you have had poor results with over-the-counter products in the past and are looking for a more effective solution? Then professional teeth whitening may be the right choice for you!
Are there alternative options if I am not a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening?
There sure is. Other cosmetic treatments such as crowns and veneers can provide the exact shade of white you desire, with the bonus of fixing other issues such as gaps or crooked teeth all at the same time. Whitening treatment does not last forever, no matter how diligent you are at looking after your oral care. Cosmetic dentistry allows a more permanent solution, with the results you desire.
At the end of the day, cheaper products will not only leave you disappointed with the results, they can cause harmful and even permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Contact the Greenvale Dental Group today to discuss your options to help set you on the right track in your quest for whiter teeth.
Where can I find the best teeth whitening in Melbourne?
You can find the best teeth whitening in Melbourne at Greenvale Dental group, here’s why:
Our dental clinic in Greenvale keeps you safe
Teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure. However, you need a dentist to examine your oral health before you can use an industry-standard lightening solution.
If you have existing oral health issues, such as gum disease, this solution may not be safe to use. As trained professionals, our dentists in Greenvale will examine your oral health before giving you the go-ahead for any treatment. If you do have ongoing dental problems, they’ll address them before forming a custom teeth whitening plan.
It’s also worth knowing that only dentists can offer industry-grade lightening solutions. Anyone offering this who is not a dentist is operating illegally and therefore can’t guarantee your safety.
You’ll access stronger solutions that work
At our dental clinic in Greenvale, we use a range of teeth whitening solutions that contain carbamide peroxide. By using different strengths, we can customize your lightening experience to match your needs. For example, if you’d rather undergo all your treatment in our office, we can use stronger solutions that promote rapid results.
Similarly, if you’d rather take a slow approach to your teeth brightening journey, we can help there too. With custom whitening kits that you can continue to use at home, you can gradually whiten your teeth at your convenience.
There is no guarantee that kits purchased online will yield the same results as a conventional dental treatment. This is one of the reasons why it is always advisable to work with a professional.
Our dentists in Greenvale achieve natural results
With our dentists in Greenvale, you’ll achieve natural results. Your first appointment will involve examining the shade of your teeth. We’ll then explore your various options for working towards a lighter shade.
In addition to their dental training, each dentist who provides teeth whitening is adept at lightening teeth. This means they have a keen eye for the types of shades that suit our patients. If you want to avoid whitening overkill, we can help you achieve a natural result.
In addition to ensuring your smile looks more natural, we can avoid causing too much damage to your enamel. By striking the right balance between maintaining your enamel and lightening your teeth, we’ll deliver a pleasant whitening experience.
How can I make an appointment for a professional teeth whitening consultation?
At Greenvale Dental Group, we take pride in changing our patients’ smiles for the better. If you’d like to whiten your teeth at our dental clinic in Greenvale, call 03 9333 6854 or book an appointment online.

Dr Soraya is the principal dentist and owner of Greenvale Dental Group with over 25 years’ experience in the field of dentistry.
Soraya’s areas of treatment include general dentistry, dental emergencies, dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and crown and bridge dentures.
You can find more about Dr. Soraya Eakins through her LinkedIn, or you can book an appointment with her through HotDoc.